Stocks Jump Ahead of Earnings

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which sank by 1.8% last week, advanced 112.08 points, or 1.2%, to 9599.75. Its strongest performers was Alcoa, which gained 4.7% ahead of its third-quarter earnings report Wednesday. Traders said much of Monday's activity reflected positioning ahead of earnings season. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index rose 15.25 points, or 1.5%, to 1040.46, with financials, energy and materials pacing the move. All three sectors have been cited as likely stalwarts for the upcoming earnings season, said traders. The Nasdaq Composite Index rose 20.04 points, or 1%, to 2068.15.